Aviatorial Valve Assembly

ABSTRACT

A valve for use in aircraft comprises a body, a selective interrupter positioned inside the body for rotation therein, a flow arrangement between the selective interrupter and the body, a bonnet connected to the body and in contact with the selective interrupter, an arm extending through the bonnet and connected to the selective interrupter, and an actuator movably connected to the arm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/612,354, filed Jul. 7, 2000 and entitled “Aviatorial ValveAssembly”, hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Acrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers place undue stress on thepneumatic gyroscopes within aircraft instrumentation. Most of the time,the gyroscopes in aircraft instrumentation are unaccustomed towithstanding routine acrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers. Becauseextremes in pitch and roll can damage the flight instruments' gimbalsand bearings, common practice has been to disconnect theinstrumentation's driver source prior to flight. This practice makes itimpossible to return to instrument flight should nighttime or inclementweather arise prior to landing. Further, opening the instrument airsystem may allow airborne contaminants to harm the delicate gyroscopicinstruments. Another common practice during testing and trainingprocedures has been to simulate instrument failure, through simulatedinstrument conditions, by visual obstruction of the instruments. Thiscommon practice is unrealistic.

Prior attempts to lock or cage the gyroscopes still fail to prevent theexcessive stress and wear on the gyroscopes' gimbals and bearings. Inthese attempts, mechanical devices are used to hold the gyroscopesrigid, which will not prevent damage to the gyroscopes' gimbals andbearings during acrobatic and mock emergency maneuvers.

In the non-analogous field of oil and gas, back pressure has beendiverted by employing a diverter. In the non-analogous field of physicalchemistry, directed at minimizing turbulence back pressure has beendiverted without changing the back pressure or primary flow. But suchinstruments cannot fit within the standard airplane instrument panel.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device, system, and method fordisengagement of the instruments in a convenient manner that will, atthe same time, protect the instruments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a unique configurationand application for a valve is provided. According to this aspect of theinvention, a low-pressure valve functions over a wide range oftemperature, and selectively interrupts the driver source directed tothe pneumatic-gyroscopic flight instruments. The stress that instrumentair sources endure is limited by preventing spikes in and maintainingthe pneumatic flow, and thus, the back pressure. The valve islightweight, easily installed, and designed to fit within a standardhole of a small airplane instrument panel. Further, the valve interfaceswith existing air and vacuum sources and other equipment within theairplane. This aspect of the present invention permits acrobaticmaneuvers without disconnecting the driver source prior to flight.Moreover, the present aspect enables a remarkably rapid return toinstrument flight, which safety alone warrants in the event of inclementweather or nighttime flight.

According to another aspect of the invention, a realistic simulation ofinstrument failure conditions during testing and training procedures isprovided. Because, in this aspect, the present invention can preventpneumatic flow to the instrument, the instrument becomesnon-operational, and thereby mimics an in-flight instrument failurecondition. But the ability to return to instrument flight ensures thatsafety is coupled to realism in producing the simulated instrumentfailure.

In a more specific aspect of the invention, a valve is provided for usein aircraft, the valve comprising a body, a selective interrupterpositioned inside the body for rotation therein, a flow arrangementbetween the selective interrupter and the body, a bonnet connected tothe body and in contact with the selective interrupter, an arm extendingthrough the bonnet and connected to the selective interrupter, and anactuator movably connected to the arm.

In a further aspect of the invention, a system is provided forprotecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument, and a driversource drives the instrument. The system comprises a means for allowinga pneumatic flow to the instrument during flight, and a means forselectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow to theinstrument.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for protectinga pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument, wherein a driver sourcedrives the instrument. The method comprises allowing a pneumatic flow tothe instrument during flight, and then selectively redirecting, withoutinterrupting, the pneumatic flow to the instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of the valve and the generalshape of the valve.

FIG. 2 shows a frontal view of the valve installed in an aircraftinstrument panel, the tolerance of the selective interrupter in relationto the body, and the location of the lubricant, if used.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the selective interrupter.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apertures in contact with the driversource, the instrument, and the dummy load.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve where the staggered arrangement hastwo apertures horizontally staggered on the exterior wall of theselective interrupter, and a vertical distance between the same twoapertures on the exterior wall of the selective interrupter.

FIG. 6 is two side views of the horizontally staggered arrangement ofthe apertures on the exterior wall of the selective interrupter asviewed from each side.

FIG. 7 is two side views, as viewed from each side, of the firstaperture of at least three apertures where a routed band encircles theexterior wall of the selective interrupter, and the routed band includesthe tops of the first apertures in its path; further shown is anaperture having a routed portion appurtenant to an aperture.

FIG. 8 is two side views, as viewed from each side, of a routed portionappurtenant to the second aperture and a routed portion appurtenant tothe third aperture of at least three apertures on the exterior wall ofthe selective interrupter.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the at least three body apertures located onthe outer wall of the body and the at least three body apertures incontact with the driver source, the instrument, and the dummy load.

FIG. 10 is two side views of the selective interrupter inside the body,where a first aperture and the second aperture aligning with the firstbody aperture and the second body aperture, respectively, and the flowarrangement therein.

FIG. 11 is two side views of the selective interrupter inside the body,where a first aperture and the third aperture aligning with the firstbody aperture and the third body aperture, respectively, and the flowarrangement therein.

FIG. 12 is two side views of the selective interrupter inside the body,where the first aperture, the second aperture and the third aperturepartially align with the first body aperture, the second body aperture,and the third body aperture, respectively, and the flow arrangementtherein.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the horizontally staggered alignment of twobody apertures on the outer wall of the body, the first body aperture onthe second end of the body, and the imaginary vertical plane thatbisects all three body apertures.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the horizontally staggered alignment of threebody apertures on the outer wall of the body, and the imaginary verticalplane that bisects all three body apertures.

FIG. 15 is a side view of two separated channels inside the interior ofthe selective interrupter, where rotary movement of the selectiveinterrupter gradually permits the flow relationship to iterativelytransition from solely within the first separated channel to solelywithin the second separated channel.

FIG. 16 is a side view of an arm extending through the arm hole of theactuator; further, an arm connection hole and an actuator connectionhole through which connecting cylinders pass in order to connect theactuator to the arm; further shown is a side view of at least apartially opened second end and a closed first end of the selectiveinterrupter setting inside a body having a closed secondary end and anopened primary end.

FIG. 17 is a side view of gearing on the arm and a geared drive shaft.

FIG. 18 is a side view of connecting cylinders for connecting theactuator to the arm, the nut used to secure the connecting cylinder, aplurality of mounting cylinders connecting the bonnet to the bodythrough the plurality of mounting holes and receptacle cylinder holes,and a raised stop for limiting the rotary movement of the actuator, andthereby, the selective interrupter.

FIG. 19 a is a side view of a friction member between the bonnet and thebody, and two pressure pinholes that receive the pressure pin and lockthe actuator into position.

FIG. 19 b shows a pressure pin extending from the actuator.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the lip on the body of the valve, a pluralityof installation holes on the lip, and a plurality of installationcylinders used to connect the valve into the aircraft instrument panel.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a system that includes a valve, connections toa driver source and the instrument, and the pneumatic flow between thedriver source and the instrument.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a system where the valve is coupled to thedriver source, the instrument, and a dummy load at three different bodyapertures, and the pneumatic flow is solely between the driver sourceand the instrument.

FIG. 23 is a side view of a system where the valve is coupled to thedriver source, the instrument, and a dummy load at three different bodyapertures, and the pneumatic flow is solely between the driver sourceand the dummy load.

FIG. 24 is a side view of a system where the valve is coupled to thedriver source, the instrument, and a dummy load at three different bodyapertures, and the pneumatic flow is between the driver source, theinstrument, and a dummy load.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a system where movement of the seat depends onmovement of an actuator that is coupled to the seat.

FIG. 26 a is a side view of a system having a motor coupled to a geareddrive shaft that is in contact with gearing on an arm, which togethermove the seat.

FIG. 26 b is a side view of a system having a screwed gearing driveshaft that is in contact with screwed gearing on an arm, which togethermove the seat.

FIG. 26 c is a side view of a system having a keyed gearing drive shaftthat is in contact with keyed gearing on an arm, which together move theseat.

FIG. 27 is a side view of a system where a stop controls the seat'sdegree of movement.

FIG. 28 a is a side view of a system where the flow arrangement is onlybetween the driver source and the instrument.

FIG. 28 b is a frontal view of a system where the flow arrangement ofFIG. 28 a is locked into position.

FIG. 29 a is a side view of a system where the flow arrangement is onlybetween the driver source and the dummy load.

FIG. 29 b is a frontal view of a system where the flow arrangement ofFIG. 29 a is locked into position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first aspect of invention, as seen in FIG. 1, is a valve (346) for usein aircraft. One embodiment of the valve (346) includes a body (344) anda seat (342) comprising a selective interrupter (100) and an arm (102),wherein the arm (102) is connected to a first end (132) of the selectiveinterrupter (100). The selective interrupter (100) is positioned insidethe body (344) for rotation therein. A flow arrangement (110) existsbetween the selective interrupter (100) and the body (344). A bonnet(125) connects to the body (344) and the bonnet (125) is also in contactwith the first end (132) of the selective interrupter (100). An actuator(382) is movably connected to the arm (102), and the arm (102) extendsthrough a bonnet hole (103) in the bonnet (125).

A further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, includes the valve (346) beinginstalled into an aircraft instrument panel (108). A still furtherembodiment includes the valve (346) being installed into a standard holewithin the aircraft instrument panel (108).

A further embodiment of the invention includes the valve (346)constructed of a lightweight material. The lightweight material islighter than some instruments commonly installed in airplanes. Inalternative embodiments, the lightweight material is a metal, anon-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. Non-limiting examples of alightweight material used to construct the valve (346) are aircraftgrade aluminum or nylon. In further embodiments of the invention, thevalve (346) is constructed of a fire resistant material. Similarly, inalternative embodiments, the fire resistant material is a metal, anon-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. An example of a suitable fireresistant material for the valve (346) is aircraft grade aluminum. Instill further embodiments, the valve (346) is constructed of an aircraftquality material in order to withstand the pressures that airplaneinstrumentation necessarily endure. Again, in alternative embodiments,the aircraft quality material is a metal, a non-metal, a metalloid or analloy. A suitable example of an aircraft quality material is aircraftgrade aluminum. Further still, in another embodiment of the invention,the valve (346) is constructed of a temperature-stable material suchthat the valve (346) functions within the temperature range of—20° F. to212° F. In alternative embodiments, the temperature-stable material is ametal, a non-metal, a metalloid or an alloy. A suitable example of atemperature-stable material for the valve (346) is aircraft gradealuminum.

Returning to FIG. 1, a still further embodiment of the valve (346)includes the valve (346) having a shape that is a substantiallycylindrical shape. A substantially cylindrical shape makes the valve(346) easy to insert into the standard hole of an airplaneinstrumentation panel (108), which is a primary goal of the instantinvention.

A further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2, includes theselective interrupter (100) having a minimized tolerance (123) betweenthe selective interrupter (100) and the body (344), wherein theminimized tolerance prevents air leakage from the valve (346). Asdefined in this invention, the tolerance (123) is the maximum distancebetween the selective interrupter (100) and the body (344). If thetolerance (123) is such that the leakage of air is minimal, then nolubricant is necessary in order to use the valve (346) in an aircraft.For example, a tolerance of 0.0015 inches between the selectiveinterrupter (100) and the body (344) is sufficiently small that nolubricant (126) is required. In still a further embodiment of theinvention, the valve (346) includes a lubricant (126) between theselective interrupter (100) and the body (344). A lubricant (126)ensures easy rotation of the selective interrupter (100) and intimatecontact between the selective interrupter (100) and the body (344) ofthe valve (346).

As seen in FIG. 3, a further embodiment of the invention includes theselective interrupter (100) having an exterior wall (130), an interior(131), a first end (132), a second end (133), and at least threeapertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c).

As seen in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the invention includes the at leastthree apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) having at least threesubstantially cylindrical apertures. But further and alternative exampleembodiments of the invention are the at least three apertures (376 a,376 b, 376 c) being at least three substantially conical apertures, atleast three oval slot-shaped apertures or at least three beveledapertures.

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) include at least a firstaperture (376 a) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c)in contact with a driver source (304), a second aperture (376 b) of theat least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) in contact with theinstrument (302), and a third aperture (376 c) of the at least threeapertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) in contact with a dummy load (328). Instill further embodiments of the invention, the dummy load (328) is aresistance dummy load such as a restrictive aperture, a pressureregulator or a vacuum regulator.

Turning to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of the invention includes the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) being in a staggeredarrangement (137). The further embodiment includes the staggeredarrangement (137) being a horizontally staggered arrangement (138) ofthe second aperture (376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376b, 376 c) and the third aperture (376 c) of the at least three apertures(376 a, 376 b, 376 c) along the exterior wall (130). The second end(133) of the selective interrupter (100) includes the at least the firstaperture (376 a) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c).

In still a further embodiment, the horizontally staggered arrangement(138) further includes a vertical separation (142) between the secondaperture (376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c)and the third aperture (376 c) of at least three apertures (376 a, 376b, 376 c). The second aperture (376 b) and the third aperture (376 c)are vertically positioned on the exterior wall (130) in such a way as toprevent any horizontal overlap in the horizontally staggered arrangement(138).

Turning now to FIG. 6, a further embodiment of the invention is shown.The staggered arrangement (137) includes a horizontally staggeredarrangement (138) of a first set (15) of two apertures of the at leastthree apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and a second set (25) of twoapertures of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) on theexterior wall (130). The first set (15) includes one aperture (12) ofthe at least the first aperture (376 a) of the at least three apertures(376 a, 376 b, 376 c). The first set (15) also includes the secondaperture (376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c).The second set (25) comprises another aperture (14) of the at least thefirst (376 a) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c). Thesecond set (25) also includes the third aperture (376 c) of the at leastthree apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, theselective interrupter (100) further includes at least one routed portion(150) that forms a depression (152) in the exterior wall (130) of theselective interrupter (100). In a still further embodiment, thedepression (152) in the exterior wall (130) is graduated, and forms atleast one graduated routed portion.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one routedportion (150) includes a routed band (157) that is in contact with theone aperture (12) of the at least the first aperture (376 a) of the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the another aperture(14) of the at least the first aperture (376 a) of the at least threeapertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c). The routed band (157) encircles theexterior wall (130) of the selective interrupter (100). In a stillfurther embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the at least one routed portion(150) includes a first routed portion (158) and a second routed portion(160). The first routed portion (158) is appurtenant to the secondaperture (376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c)and the second routed portion (160) is appurtenant to the third aperture(376 c) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c). In thismanner, rotation of the selective interrupter (100) results in a gradualtransition in the flow relationship (110). That is to say that there isa gradual transition in the flow relationship (110) from driver source(304) and dummy load (328) to driver source (304) and instrument (302)or vice versa.

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the body(344) includes an outer wall (170), an inner wall (172), a primary end(174), a secondary end (176), and at least three body apertures (378 a,378 b, 378 c). Although FIG. 9 shows the at least three body apertures(378 a, 378 b, 378 c) having substantially cylindrical shapes, theshapes can vary. For example, in further and alternative embodiments ofthe invention, the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c)are substantially cylindrical body apertures, substantially oval-slotshaped body apertures or threaded body apertures.

Also shown in FIG. 9 is a further embodiment, where the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) include at least a first bodyaperture (378 a) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c) in contact with the driver source (304), a second body aperture (378b) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) in contactwith the instrument (302), and a third body aperture (378 c) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) in contact with a dummyload (328).

In a still further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 10, theat least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) are positioned for a flowarrangement (110). The at least the first aperture (376 a) of the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in a complete alignment(600) with the at least the first body aperture (378 a) of the at leastthree body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Further, the second aperture(376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in acomplete alignment (600) with the second body aperture (378 b) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). The third aperture(376 c) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) iscompletely misaligned with the third body aperture (378 c) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Therefore, the flowrelationship (110) exists between the first aperture (376 a) and thefirst body aperture (378 a) and the second aperture (376 b) and thesecond body aperture (378 b).

In an alternative and further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) are positioned for the flow arrangement(110). The at least the first aperture (376 a) of the at least threeapertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in a complete alignment (600) withthe at least the first body aperture (378 a) of the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Further, the third aperture (376 c) ofthe at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in a completealignment (600) with the third body aperture (378 c) of the at leastthree body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). But the second aperture (376b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is completelymisaligned with the second body aperture (378 b) of the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Therefore, the flow relationship(110) exists between the first aperture (376 a) and the first bodyaperture (378 a) and the third aperture (376 c) and the third bodyaperture (378 c).

In a still further and alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, theat least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) are positioned for the flowarrangement (110). The at least the first aperture (376 a) of the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in a partial alignment(650) with the at least the first body aperture (378 a) of the at leastthree body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Further, the second aperture(376 b) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) is in apartial alignment (650) with the second body aperture (378 b) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Further still, thethird aperture (376 c) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b,376 c) is in a partial alignment (650) with the third body aperture (378c) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c).Therefore, the flow relationship (110) is between all of the at leastthree apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 13, the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) include a horizontallystaggered arrangement (180). The horizontally staggered arrangement(180) includes the second body aperture (378 b) and the third bodyaperture (378 c) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c) on the outer wall (170), and the secondary end (176) comprising theat least the first body aperture (378 a) of the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c). Further, the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) are positioned such that a verticalplane (750) bisects the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c).

In a further embodiment, the outer wall (170) further includes a raisedblock (411). The second body aperture (378 b) and the third bodyaperture (378 c) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c) are within the raised block (411). Further still, the raised block(411) is integrally connected to the outer wall (170). A non-limitingexample of the integral connection is welding the raised block (411) tothe outer wall (170).

As seen in FIG. 14, a further embodiment of the invention includes ahorizontally staggered arrangement (180) of the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) on the outer wall (170), wherein the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) are positioned suchthat a vertical plane (750) bisects the at least three body apertures(378 a, 378 b, 378 c).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 15, theinterior (131) of the selective interrupter (100) is a hollow cavity(184) that is open at the second end (133) of the selective interrupter(100). As such, in some embodiments, the second end (133) is the firstaperture (376 a) of the at least three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c).

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the interior (131)includes at least two separated channels (188 a, 188 b) within theinterior (131) of the selective interrupter (100). A further embodiment,as shown in FIG. 15, includes the at least two separated channels (188a, 188 b) being a first separated channel (188 a) and a second separatedchannel (188 b). In this embodiment, each of the at least two separatedchannels (188 a, 188 b) are positioned between the first end (132) andthe second end (133). Further, the at least two separated channels (188a, 188 b) are positioned such that rotary movement (688) of theselective interrupter (100) gradually permits the flow relationship(110) to iteratively transition from solely within the first separatedchannel (188 a) to solely within the second separated channel (188 b).

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least two separatedchannels (188 a, 188 b) are at least two substantially cylindricalchannels. But in further and alternative embodiments, the at least twoseparated channels (188 a, 188 b) are substantially conical channels orthreaded channels. Other shapes and arrangements of the channels willoccur to those of ordinary skill in the art, but these other shapes andarrangements do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, a further embodiment of the invention includes thefirst end (132) of the selective interrupter (100) being a closed end(192). In another embodiment of the invention, the second end (133) ofthe second interrupter (100) is at least a partially open end (194). Instill a further embodiment, the primary end (174) of the body (344)comprises an open end (781), and the secondary end (176) of the body(344) comprises a closed end (782).

Also shown in FIG. 16, the arm (102) has a substantially cylindricalshape, which is a further embodiment of the invention. The arm (102) isconnected to the actuator (382). A further embodiment is a handle (7)connected to the actuator (382).

As shown in FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the invention includes thearm (102) having gearing (198), which in alternative embodiments iskeyed gearing, screwed gearing, or any other type of gearing occurringto those of ordinary skill in the art. In a still further embodiment ofthe invention, the actuator (382) includes a geared drive shaft (199) inmesh with the gearing (198).

A further embodiment of the invention includes the actuator (382) havinga motor that is connected to a drive shaft. The motor provides the powerto move the drive shaft, which moves the actuator (382), which in turn,moves the selective interrupter (100). In a further and alternativeembodiment of the invention, the actuator (382) includes a solenoid (4),which transforms its electrical energy into mechanical energy, andthereby actuates the selective interrupter (100).

Returning to FIG. 16, a further embodiment of the invention includes theactuator (382) having an arm hole (103) that is positioned to at leastpartially receive the arm (102). In a still further embodiment, the arm(102) includes an arm connection hole (99). In a still furtherembodiment, the actuator includes an actuator connection hole (97).Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, a further embodiment of the inventionincludes connecting cylinders (94) for connecting the actuator (382) tothe arm (102).

In a further and alternative embodiments, the connecting cylinder (94)is a bolt, which may be a screw, a dog-nose screw, a pin or any otherdevice that will movably secure the arm (102) to the actuator (382). Ina still further embodiment, the connecting cylinder (94) is threadedlyconnected to the actuator (382) and the arm (102). Further, in yetanother embodiment of the invention, the connecting cylinder (94) isthreadedly connected to a nut (89).

As shown in FIG. 18, a further embodiment of the invention includes aplurality of mounting holes (44) positioned for connecting the bonnet(125) to the body (344). In a still further embodiment of the invention,the body (344) includes a plurality of receptacle cylinder holes (45)positioned for connecting the body (344) to the bonnet (125). In orderto fill the plurality of mounting holes (44) and the plurality ofreceptacle cylinder holes (45), a further embodiment of the invention,as shown in FIG. 40, includes a plurality of mounting cylinders (34)positioned to connect the bonnet (125) to the body (344).

In a further embodiment, the plurality of mounting cylinders (34) areconnected to the body (344) and the bonnet (125). In a further andalternative embodiment, the plurality of mounting cylinders (34) arethreadedly connected to the body (344) and the bonnet (125). Furtheralternative embodiments of the invention include the plurality ofmounting cylinders (34) being a plurality of bolts or a plurality ofpins.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bonnet (125) furtherincludes a stop (50). The stop (50) limits the rotary movement (501) ofthe selective interrupter (100). As such, in one embodiment, the stop(50) is a raised stop (51), which prevents the actuator (382) fromturning beyond a certain maximum. In turn, this limits the rotation ofthe selective interrupter (100). The raised stop (51) prevents the userfrom endlessly actuating the selective interrupter (100), and thereby,the raised stop (51) adds safety and ease of use to the design of thevalve (346).

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19 a, a friction member (30)is located between the bonnet (125) and the body (344). An example ofsuch a friction member (30) is an o-ring (31). But a friction member(30) is not necessary if the tolerance (123) is sufficiently small sothat the bonnet (125) effectively seals the body (344) once the bonnet(125) is connected to the body (344).

As shown in FIG. 19 b, a further embodiment of the invention includesthe actuator (382) having a pressure pin (11). A still furtherembodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 19 a, includes the bonnet(125) also having at least two pressure pinholes (12 a, 12 b) forsliding the pressure pin (11) into a locked position (9) on the bonnet(125). Depending within which of the at least two pressure pinholes (12a, 12 b) that the pressure pin (11) is located, the flow arrangement(110) either includes the instrument (302) or the dummy load (328).

In a further embodiment of the invention, the actuator (382) includes asoftware program that will control the rotation of the selectiveinterrupter (100) based on data input from various sensing deviceswithin or external to the airplane. For example, the software programwill determine the frequency, speed and degree to which the at leastthree apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) and the at least three bodyapertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) should be open in order to maintain abalanced pressure system.

As seen in FIG. 20, a further embodiment of the invention includes thebody (344) having a lip (17). In a still further embodiment, the lip(17) includes a plurality of installation holes (71) that are positionedfor installing the valve (346) into an aircraft instrument panel (108).In a still further embodiment, the lip (17) also includes a plurality ofinstallation cylinders (73) that are positioned for installing the valve(346) into an aircraft instrument panel (108).

Turning now to FIG. 21, a second aspect of the invention is seen—asystem. The system (300) is for protecting a pneumatic-gyroscopicaircraft instrument (302), where the instrument (302) is driven by adriver source (304). The system (300) includes a means (310) forallowing a pneumatic flow (312) to the instrument (302) during flight,and a means (320) for selectively redirecting the pneumatic flow (312)to the instrument (302) without interrupting the pneumatic flow (312) ofthe driver source (304). The driver source (304) is a pressure source ora vacuum source.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the means (310) forallowing the pneumatic flow (312) to the instrument (302) comprises ameans (326) for coupling, through a valve (346), the driver source (304)to the instrument (302). In a still further embodiment, the valve (346)includes a first body aperture (378 a) of at least three body apertures(378 a, 378 b, 378 c) coupled to the driver source (304) and a secondbody aperture (378 b) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378b, 378 c) coupled to the instrument (302). The coupling, itself, isthrough the use of standard aircraft tubing or any other material thatcan suitably couple the valve to the instrument (302) and the driversource (304).

As shown in FIG. 23, a further embodiment of the invention is a means(320) for selectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumaticflow (312) to include a means (326) for coupling, through a valve (346),the driver source (304) to a dummy load (328). In a still furtherembodiment of the invention, a first body aperture (378 a) of at leastthree body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) is coupled to the driversource (304) and a third body aperture (378 c) of the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) is coupled to the dummy load (328).Again, the coupling, itself, is through the use of standard aircrafttubing or any other material that can suitably couple the valve to thedriver source (304) and to a dummy load (328).

As shown in FIG. 24, a further embodiment of the invention is a means(320) for selectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumaticflow (312) to include a means (340) for moving a seat (342) that islocated inside a body (344) of a valve (346). Further, the valve (346)is coupled to the driver source (304), the instrument (302), and a dummyload (328). In a still further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, themeans (340) for moving the seat (342) includes a means (380) for movingan actuator (382) that is coupled to the seat (342). Further still, inyet another embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 26 a, the means(380) for moving the actuator (382) includes a means (386) for drivingthe actuator (382). In a further embodiment, a means (386) for drivingthe actuator (382) is a motor (500) with a geared drive shaft (502) incontact with gearing on the arm (102) that act in tandem to move theseat (342).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 26 b, themeans (380) for moving the actuator (382) includes a means (388) forturning the actuator (382). In a further embodiment, a means (388) forturning the actuator (382) is screwed gearing (504) coupled to theactuator (382). The screwed gearing (504) includes a drive shaft (6),which is connected to the bonnet (125), and works in tandem with screwedgearing on the arm (102).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 26 c, themeans (380) for moving the actuator (382) includes a means (390) forsliding the actuator (382). In a still further embodiment, a means (390)for sliding the actuator (382) comprises keyed gearing (506) coupled tothe actuator (382). The keyed gearing (506) includes a drive shaft (6),which is connected to the bonnet (125), and works in tandem with keyedgearing on the arm (102).

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the means (380) for movingthe actuator (382) includes a means (420) for limiting a rotary movement(501) of the seat (342). In a still further embodiment, a means (420)for limiting the rotary movement (501) comprises the actuator (382)contacting a stop (50). Contacting a stop (50) limits the range ofmotion for the actuator (382), which in turn, limits the range of motionfor seat (342), and thereby, limits the number of rotations that the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) have in order to align withthe at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) for redirectingthe pneumatic flow (312) to the instrument (304) or the dummy load(328).

As shown in FIG. 28 a, a further embodiment of the invention includes ameans (340) for moving the seat. The means for moving the seat (340)includes a means (392) for covering one body aperture (378 a) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346),thereby preventing a flow relationship (372) between the driver source(304) and the instrument (302). In preventing the flow relationship(372) between the driver source (304) and the instrument (302), a stillfurther embodiment unfolds by the same movement of the seat. In thisfurther aspect of the embodiment, a means (340) for moving the seat alsoincludes a means (394) for exposing another body aperture (378 b) of theat least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346),thereby allowing the flow relationship (372) between the driver source(304) and a dummy load (328).

As shown in FIG. 29 a, a further embodiment of the invention includes ameans (340) for moving the seat. The means for moving the seat (340)includes a means (392) for covering one body aperture (378 a) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346),thereby preventing a flow relationship (372) between the driver source(304) and a dummy load (328). In preventing the flow relationship (372)between the driver source (304) and the dummy load (328), a stillfurther embodiment unfolds by the same movement of the seat. In thisfurther aspect of the embodiment, a means (340) for moving the seat alsoincludes a means for exposing another body aperture (378 b) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346),thereby allowing the flow relationship (372) between the driver source(304) and the instrument (302).

As shown in FIG. 28 b, a further embodiment of the invention is themeans (320) for selectively redirecting to include a means (398) forlocking the valve (346) to prevent a flow relationship (372) between thedriver source (304) and the instrument (302). In this manner, the flowrelationship (372) exists between the driver source (304) and the dummyload (328). For example, as seen in FIGS. 19 a and 19 b, locking thevalve (346) is accomplished by a pressure pin (11) extending from theactuator (382), and the pressure pin (11) locking into a pressurepinhole (12 a or 12 b) located on the bonnet (125) of the valve (346).Finally, in another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 29 b,the means (320) for selectively redirecting includes a means (398) forlocking the valve (346) to prevent a flow relationship (372) between thedummy load (328) and the instrument (302). In this manner, the flowrelationship (372) exists between the driver source (304) and theinstrument (302).

Now turning to a third aspect of the invention, a method exists forprotecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument (302). Thedrawings for the system claims are referenced below for purposes ofdiscussing the method claims. In discussing the method claims, it isunderstood that any reference to the system claim drawings refers toelucidation of the method claims.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21, a method (200) forprotecting a pneumatic-gyroscopic aircraft instrument (302), where theinstrument (302) is driven by a driver source (304), comprises allowinga pneumatic flow (312) to the instrument (302) during flight, andselectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow (312)of the driver source (304).

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, allowing the pneumaticflow (312) to the instrument (302) comprises coupling, through a valve(346), the driver source (304) to the instrument (302). In a stillfurther embodiment, the valve (346) includes a first body aperture (378a) of at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) coupled to thedriver source (304) and a second body aperture (378 b) of the at leastthree body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) coupled to the instrument(302). Coupling the valve to the instrument (302) and the driver source(304) is achieved through the use of standard aircraft tubing or anyother suitable coupling material.

As shown in FIG. 23, a further embodiment of the invention includesselectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow (312)by coupling, through a valve (346), the driver source (304) to a dummyload (328). In a still further embodiment of the invention, a first bodyaperture (378 a) of at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c)is coupled to the driver source (304) and a third body aperture (378 c)of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) is coupled tothe dummy load (328). Again, coupling the valve to the driver source(304) and the dummy load (328) is achieved through the use of standardaircraft tubing or any other suitable coupling material.

As shown in FIG. 24, a further embodiment of the invention comprisesselectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow (312)comprising moving a seat (342) that is located inside a body (344) of avalve (346). Further, the valve (346) is coupled to the driver source(304), the instrument (302), and a dummy load (328). In a still furtherembodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, moving the seat (342) comprises movingan actuator (382) that is coupled to the seat (342). Further still, inyet another embodiment of the invention, as seen in FIG. 26 a, movingthe actuator (382) comprises driving the actuator (382). In a furtherembodiment, driving the actuator (382) is accomplished by a motor (500)with a geared drive shaft (502) in contact with gearing on the arm (102)that act in tandem to move the seat (342).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 26 b, movingthe actuator (382) comprises turning the actuator (382). In a furtherembodiment, turning the actuator (382) comprises using screwed gearing(504) that is coupled to the actuator (382). The screwed gearing (504)includes a drive shaft (6), which is connected to the bonnet (125), andworks in tandem with screwed gearing on the arm (102).

In a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 26 c, movingthe actuator (382) comprises sliding the actuator (382). In a stillfurther embodiment, sliding the actuator (382) comprises using keyedgearing (506) that is coupled to the actuator (382). The keyed gearing(506) includes a drive shaft (6), which is connected to the bonnet(125), and works in tandem with keyed gearing on the arm (102).

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, moving the actuator (382)comprises limiting the rotary movement (501) of the seat (342). In astill further embodiment, limiting the rotary movement (501) includesthe actuator (332) contacting a stop (50). Contacting a stop (50) limitsthe actuator's (382) range of motion, which in turn, limits the seat's(342) motion, and thereby, limits the number of rotations that the atleast three apertures (376 a, 376 b, 376 c) have in order to align withthe at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) for permittingor restraining the pneumatic flow (312) in the course of redirecting thepneumatic flow (312).

As shown in FIG. 28 a, a further embodiment of the invention comprisesmoving the seat. Moving the seat (340) includes covering one bodyaperture (378 a) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c) of the valve (346), which prevents a flow relationship (372) betweenthe driver source (304) and the instrument (302). In preventing the flowrelationship (372) between the driver source (304) and the instrument(302), a still further embodiment unfolds by the same movement of theseat (340). In this further aspect of the embodiment, moving the seat(304) also comprises exposing another body aperture (378 b) of the atleast three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346),which allows the flow relationship (372) between the driver source (304)and a dummy load (328) without interrupting the flow of the driversource (304).

As shown in FIG. 29 a, a further embodiment of the invention comprisesmoving the seat. Moving the seat (340) comprises covering one bodyaperture (378 a) of the at least three body apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378c) of the valve (346), which prevents a flow relationship (372) betweenthe driver source (304) and a dummy load (328). In preventing the flowrelationship (372) between the driver source (304) and the dummy load(328), a still further embodiment unfolds by the same movement of theseat. In this further aspect of the embodiment, moving the seat alsocomprises exposing another body aperture (378 b) of the at least threebody apertures (378 a, 378 b, 378 c) of the valve (346), which allowsthe flow relationship (372) between the driver source (304) and theinstrument (302).

As shown in FIG. 28 b, a further embodiment of the invention forselectively redirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow (312)comprises locking the valve (346) to prevent a flow relationship (372)between the driver source (304) and the instrument (302). In thismanner, the flow relationship (372) exists between the driver source(304) and the dummy load (328). Finally, in another embodiment of theinvention, as shown in FIG. 29 b, the means (320) for selectivelyredirecting, without interrupting, the pneumatic flow (312) compriseslocking the valve (346) to prevent a flow relationship (372) between thedummy load (328) and the driver source (304). In this manner, the flowrelationship (372) exists between the driver source (304) and theinstrument (302).

Accordingly, while various embodiments of the invention have been shownand described herein, modifications may be made by one skilled in theart without departing from the spirit and the teachings of theinvention. The embodiments described here are exemplary only, and arenot intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, andmodifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and arewithin the scope of the invention. The different teachings of theembodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in anysuitable combination to produce desired results. Accordingly, the scopeof protection is not limited by the description set out above, but isdefined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims.

1-71. (canceled)
 72. A valve comprising: a body, the body having atleast three body apertures, a first body aperture, a second bodyaperture, and a third body aperture and wherein the body issubstantially cylindrical, the body having a primary end and a secondaryend; a hollow selective interrupter positioned inside the body forrotation therein, the hollow selective interrupter having asubstantially cylindrical wall, a first end with an opening therein, anda second closed end; wherein the hollow selective interrupter has atleast two channels disposed on the substantially cylindrical wall, theat least two channels being a first channel and a second channel,wherein the first and second channel are routed with a graduatedrouting; wherein the open end of the hollow selective interrupter is influid communication with the first body aperture; wherein the hollowselective interrupter has a first rotational position in which the firstchannel is in communication with the second body aperture, a secondrotational position in which the second channel is in communication withthe third body aperture, and a rotational intermediate position in whichthe first channel is in communication with the second body aperture andthe second channel is in communication with the third body aperture; andwherein rotation of the hollow selective interrupter proportionallytransitions a flow relationship between a first flow path between thefirst body aperture and the second body aperture to a second flow pathbetween the first body aperture and the third body aperture.
 73. Thevalve of claim 72 wherein the valve is adapted for use in aircraft andwherein the valve is adapted to be installed into an aircraft instrumentpanel wherein the first body aperture is in communication with a driversource, the second body aperture is in communication with an instrument,and the third body aperture is in communication with a dummy load. 74.The valve of claim 73 further comprising a bonnet connected to the bodyand in contact with the hollow selective interrupter; an arm extendingthrough the bonnet and connected to the hollow selective interrupter;and an actuator movably connected to the arm.
 75. The valve of claim 72wherein the first and second channels are routed so as to substantiallyminimize a change in a back pressure from a flow source as the flowrelationship gradually transitions from the first flow path to thesecond flow path.
 76. The valve of claim 72 wherein the valve furthercomprises a tolerance between the hollow selective interrupter and thebody sufficient to prevent air leakage therebetween without using alubricant.
 77. The valve of claim 72 wherein the valve further comprisesa lubricant between the hollow selective interrupter and the body. 78.The valve of claim 72 wherein the at least three body apertures comprisesubstantially cylindrical body apertures, substantially oval slot-shapedbody apertures, threaded body apertures, or a combination thereof. 79.The valve of claim 74 wherein the actuator further comprises a handleand wherein the arm further comprises gearing.
 80. The valve of claim 74wherein the bonnet further comprises a stop, wherein the stop limits arotary movement of the hollow selective interrupter.
 81. The valve of 72wherein the at least two separated channels comprise substantiallycylindrical channels, substantially conical channels, threaded channels,or a combination thereof.
 82. A valve comprising: a body, the bodyhaving an input aperture, a first output aperture, and a second outputaperture; a hollow selective interrupter defined by a wall forming acylindrical sleeve, said interrupter positioned inside the body androtatable inside the body from a first position to a second position; atleast two spaced apart through bores in said interrupter wall, a firstinterrupter through bore positioned in the wall so as to underlie thefirst output aperture of the body when the interrupter is in the firstposition and a second interrupter through bore position in the wall soas to underlie the second output aperture of the body when theinterrupter is in the second position; wherein the interrupter isfurther rotatable inside the body to an intermediate position betweenthe first position and the second position; and wherein the firstinterrupter through bore partially underlies the first output apertureof the body when the interrupter is in the intermediate position and thesecond interrupter through bore partially underlies the second outputaperture of the body when the interrupter is in the intermediateposition.
 83. The valve of claim 82 wherein at least one through bore isa channel.
 84. The valve of claim 82 wherein a channel connects thethrough bores.
 85. The valve of claim 82 wherein the input aperture is apneumatic flow source, the first output aperture is a load, and thesecond output aperture is a dummy load.
 86. The valve of claim 85wherein the two through bores are channels with a gradual routing fortransitioning from the first flow arrangement to the second flowarrangement without substantially changing a back pressure of thepneumatic flow source.
 87. The valve of claim 82 wherein a firstrotational position of the hollow cylindrical selective interrupterenables a flow relationship between the input aperture and the firstoutput aperture and wherein a second rotational position of theselective interrupter enables a flow relationship between the inputaperture and the second output aperture.
 88. The valve of claim 86wherein the two through bores are channels and are aligned in a mannerthat allows a reduction in the size of the first channel to commence asan increase in the size of the second channel commences during rotationof the selective hollow cylindrical selective interrupter.
 89. The valveof claim 86 wherein the two through bores comprise a first channel and asecond channel and wherein the first channel is aligned to allowcommunication between the input aperture and the first output apertureand wherein the second channel is aligned to allow communication betweenthe input aperture and the second output aperture.
 90. The valve ofclaim 89 wherein the two through bores are channels and are aligned toallow a gradually transition from a termination of a first flowarrangement to the commencement of a second flow arrangement uponrotation of the hollow cylindrical selective interrupter within the bodyof the valve.
 91. The valve of claim 90 further comprising an actuatorfor rotating the selective interrupter.
 92. The valve of claim 91further comprising a stop to limit rotation of the selectiveinterrupter.
 93. The valve of claim 89 wherein rotation of the selectiveinterrupter does not interrupt flow from the input aperture.
 94. A valvecomprising: a substantially cylindrical body having a first body openend, a second body end, and a cylindrical body wall, the cylindricalbody wall having at least two body apertures, a first body aperture anda second body aperture; a hollow selective interrupter positioned insidethe body for rotation therein; an arm connected to the hollow selectiveinterrupter for rotation of the hollow selective interrupter; whereinthe hollow selective interrupter comprises a first open end, a secondend, and a wall, the wall having at least two apertures, wherein the atleast two apertures comprise a first aperture and a second aperture; aflow arrangement between the selective interrupter and the body; whereinrotation of the selective interrupter proportionally transitions a flowrelationship between a first flow path and a second flow path; whereinthe first flow path is from the first body open end to the first bodyaperture and the second flow path is from the first body open endthrough the second body aperture; and wherein the hollow selectiveinterrupter further comprises at least one routed portion in contactwith the at least two apertures to form a gradual depression in the wallso as to dampen and substantially minimize a change in a back pressurefrom the first flow path as the flow relationship gradually transitionsfrom the first flow path to the second flow path.
 95. The valve of claim94 wherein the first and second apertures are aligned on the hollowselective interrupter such that rotation of the hollow selectiveinterrupter results in an both communication between the first apertureand the second aperture and communication between the first aperture andthe third aperture throughout a portion of the rotation of hollowselective interrupter in the body.
 96. The valve of claim 94 wherein theat least two apertures comprise substantially cylindrical apertures,substantially oval slot-shaped apertures, threaded apertures, or acombination thereof.